Joy(gladness, spiritual peace)
“Gladness, delight, rejoicing”
Summary
A fruit of the Spirit and fundamental characteristic of the Christian life, arising from fellowship with God and the assurance of salvation through Christ.
☩Definition and Nature
Joy is a delight of the mind arising from the possession or assured approach of a good. The primary Hebrew terms include simchah (to be bright, to shine), denoting gladness, and gil (to go in a circle, dance), expressing exuberant rejoicing. In Greek, chara and the related verb chairō convey pleasurable feeling experienced in the mental sphere, etymologically connected to charis (grace). Scripture distinguishes various degrees: when moderate it is called gladness; when sudden and intense, exultation or transport; when we limit our desires by our possessions, contentment; and when our joy becomes habitual, it is cheerfulness.
☩Joy in the Old Testament
Joy as a religious emotion is frequently referenced in the Old Testament, where religion touches the deepest springs of emotion. God is both the source (Psalm 4:7, 51:12) and the object (Psalm 35:9, Isaiah 29:19) of religious joy. The phrase 'rejoice in the Lord' occurs frequently, expressing glad fellowship with God. The fundamental fact of God's sovereignty gives the pious a joyous sense of security that breaks forth into songs of praise in which even inanimate nature is called upon to join (Psalm 96:11-13). Joy accompanied Temple worship, the sacrificial feasts (Deuteronomy 12:12), and the celebration of religious festivals with jubilant shouting and trumpet sound.
☩Joy in the New Testament
The element of joy is even more prominent in the New Testament as the appropriate response to the 'good tidings of great joy' which constitute the gospel. Jesus's habitual demeanor was gladsome despite the profound tragedy in His life, as evidenced by His presence at social festivities, His rejoicing in the Holy Spirit, and His mention of 'my joy' (John 15:11, 17:13). The Beatitudes promise not only beatitude but also exuberant joy in contrast to the 'sad countenance' of hypocrites. After Pentecost, joy became a marked characteristic of the early church (Acts 2:46, 8:39, 13:52).
☩Joy as Fruit of the Spirit
Paul identifies joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and 'joy in the Holy Spirit' as an essential mark of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). This joy is associated with faith (Philippians 1:25), hope (Romans 5:2, 12:12), and brotherly fellowship (Romans 12:15). To rejoice in the Lord is enjoined as a Christian duty (Philippians 3:1, 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). Christian joy triumphs over adverse circumstances, even making tribulation a cause for rejoicing as believers receive assurance of their 'approvedness' with God (Romans 5:3; James 1:2).
☩Divine Joy
Scripture represents God not as an impassible Being but as One susceptible to pleasure, 'rejoicing in his works' (Psalm 104:31) and over His people for good (Deuteronomy 30:9). Zephaniah declares that God will 'rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing' (Zephaniah 3:17). The parables of Luke 15 reveal the joy of God's own heart—the shepherd with his sheep, the woman with her coin, and the father with his prodigal son—demonstrating that joy fills heaven when sinners repent. The faithful servant's reward is to enter into 'the joy of his Lord' (Matthew 25:21).
Related Verses318 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Joy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Joy," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Joy," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Joy," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Joy," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).